Audi, Dodge, Lincoln Models Are Hardest to Find New Cars
It wasn't until the sudden crunch brought on by the unrivaled success of the Cash for Clunkers initiative combined with the pressures of the General Motors and Chrysler bankruptcies that most new car shoppers were ever faced with the problem of low vehicle inventory. Whether it was because certain fuel-efficient vehicles were so popular that they flew off of dealer lots as soon as they arrived, or whether it was due to a lack of cash on the part of manufacturers to keep production flowing, 2009 was a reality check for new car buyers everywhere.
Although automotive inventories have improved over the past six months or so, there are still certain vehicles which are not as readily available as one would think. There are several factors which play into whether dealer supplies of a specific model are plentiful or sparse. Of course, popularity is an obvious criteria when it comes to identifying which cars, trucks and SUVs are hardest to get a hold of in the United States - if everyone wants one, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with demand - but the opposite is often also a key factor in determining just how available an automobile is. Car companies do not like to build large quantities of slow-selling cars just to see them sit for months on dealer lots, and as such the list of hardest to find new cars contains a few surprise entries from forgotten makes and models.
Let's take a look at the top three hardest to find brand new cars across the United States, based on the inventory numbers provided by each respective automaker.
2010 Audi S4
The 2010 Audi S4 is a high performance luxury sedan that offers 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque from a 3.0-liter, supercharged V-6 engine, matched with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. The Audi S4 also benefits from standard quattro all-wheel drive and the kind of luxury appointments that have helped it lead the premium sedan segment for years: Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) to control vehicle systems and navigation, HID headlights, heated leather sport seats and Audi Drive Select, which allows the driver to dial in suspension settings from within the cockpit.
Why is the Audi S4 so hard to find? This limited production model is exclusive by design and it typically sells in low numbers throughout the year, keeping inventories low.
2010 Dodge Charger
The 2010 Dodge Charger is designed to provide families with a big, roomy full-size four-door option. Its large trunk and fantastic interior space make it a great choice for long road trips, and it provides four engine choices: a 2.7-liter V-6 (178 horsepower), a 3.5-liter V-6 (250 horsepower), a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 (368 horsepower) and a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 in the SRT8 high performance edition of the car (425 horsepower). The Dodge Charger can be ordered with all-wheel drive, and it also comes with either a four or five-speed automatic transmission. Other features of note include a range of comfort equipment (heated leather seats, dual automatic climate controls), a navigation system and an impressive touchscreen media center.
Why is the Dodge Charger so hard to find? With the next-generation Dodge Charger coming for the 2011 model year and Chrysler's currently shaky finances, the company has restricted production of the 2010 edition so as not to get caught with too much of last year's inventory on their hands in the near future.
2010 Lincoln Town Car
The 2010 Lincoln Town Car is a nod to the days of classic American luxury, where huge trunks, soft suspensions and acres of leather ruled the day. The Lincoln Town Car is one of the few body-on-frame sedans remaining on the modern market, and it offers seating for as many as six passengers thanks to its standard forward bench, as well as the option of an extended wheelbase model. The Lincoln is motivated by a 4.6-liter V-8 that generates 239 horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque, backed with a four-speed automatic transmission. High end features such as heated front and rear seats, power adjustable pedals, two zones of automatic climate control and wood trim can also be found in the vehicle.
Why is the Lincoln Town Car so hard to find? The premium sedan has gradually seen its customer base shrink to the point where fleet sales absorb the bulk of its production. With so few buyers walking onto lots intent on buying a new Town Car, parent company Ford has lowered production accordingly.